Whether consuming content online, surfing through websites, or simply working, Macs are exceptional at every task. The operating system of Macs, namely macOS, is known for offering a smooth and flawless user experience thanks to its top-tier features and functionalities. Besides supporting numerous top-tier third-party applications, macOS also packs in numerous exceptional native apps, out of which one of the most used ones is Safari, the native browser of the Apple ecosystem.
According to Macworld, Safari is currently the best browser available for macOS users. It offers Mac users an optimized and fast browsing experience and facilitates them to perform any web-based activity with ease. It features numerous extensions that further add to the benefits. However, instances may arise when users cannot access specific websites due to different reasons. This article will cover all the fixes using which you can access any website in Safari or any other browser without any inconvenience. Let us get started:
- Check Whether the Website You Are Trying to Access Requires Parental Controls
Certain websites and web pages may not load because of restricted settings. This generally happens with filtered pages when users try to access them using their accounts. One of the best fixes for the issue is to contact the website’s administrator and request them to grant you access by disabling the controls. Once the website administrator disables the controls, you will automatically be redirected to the website after refreshing the page.
- Flush Your Mac’s DNS Cache
Another common issue that prohibits browsers from loading a website is a stacked DNS cache. DNS cache or Domain Name System cache is Mac’s virtual notebook that stores the locations of websites present on the Internet. Mac memorizes the location in the form of numbers, each of which corresponds to a website’s domain. After a while, the DNS cache gets full, which sometimes causes problems when a user tries to access a website. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to flush DNS Mac.
One of the most effective ways to get rid of DNS is to use CleanMyMac X. This powerful third-party application offers tons of useful tools and functionalities for decluttering your Mac and making it function more efficiently. By following just a few simple steps, you can conveniently clean your Mac’s DNS cache. If you wish to clear the DNS cache manually, you can easily use macOS’ native settings and applications. However, you would first need to determine which version of macOS your Mac is currently operating on since different versions require different steps for flushing the DNS cache.
- Check Whether You Are Connected to the Internet or Not.
Whether you are using Safari or any other browser, you cannot access any website without an internet connection. It is a very basic thing that most users forget to check when they are unable to access any website. Users generally overlook this fact when they are using multiple devices to surf the Internet at the same time. When others load webpages and your Mac does not, you jump straight to conclude that there is an issue with the website or your browser. However, in the majority of the cases, the fault is generally with the internet connection.
Therefore, you should first check your internet connection’s signal and strength when you cannot open a website. Moreover, check your router and see whether it is connected to a functioning power outlet or not. If not, unplug and replug the router into another socket. If the problem persists, there might be an issue with your ISP’s server.
- Update Your Browser
If Safari or any other Mac browser cannot load a specific website, it may be because the user has an outdated version of the browser on their Mac that no longer supports the requirements for opening the webpage. Hence, if you are using an outdated version of a browser and cannot open a particular website, the most effective way to solve the accessibility issue is to update your browser to the latest available version. You can conveniently do so by opening the App Store and searching for the browser using the app’s search feature.
- Use a Virtual Private Network Application
A Virtual Private Network or VPN software is a useful tool that allows access to regionally-blocked websites. Besides this, VPN software also protects your identity by masking your IP address. Even your ISP cannot see your browsing activity if you use VPN software. Hence, if you face trouble while trying to access a website, it would be best to use a VPN to conveniently access it without any hassle since VPN is a highly-secure channel.
Web browsing is an integral part of every user’s life since most of the tasks are facilitated by the Internet. Whether you are a Safari fan or use other browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Opera on your Mac, you can conveniently open any website by implementing the tips mentioned above.